Donald (Don) Graham

Donald (Don) Graham passed away May 13, 2016, in Sandpoint, Idaho, after a courageous battle with ALS.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2016, at the First Baptist Church of Sandpoint with Pastor Ken Smith officiating. Interment will take place in Pinecrest Memorial Park will full military honors. Reception will be held afterwards at the First Baptist Church. All are welcome.

Don was born on Nov. 10, 1946 in Mercer, Pa., to John and Winefred Graham. In 1950, they moved to San Diego, Calif., where he graduated from Crawford High School in 1964. He attended San Diego Mesa College, followed by four years in the Air Force where he bravely fought for our country in Vietnam.

While still in the service he was stationed in Cheyenne, Wyo., where he met his first wife Kathy at the library. They were married on Feb. 14, 1969, and resided in Longmont, Colo. They raised their two amazing daughters, Jami and Keri, there in Colorado. He loved doing things together with the girls, and was a great coach to Keri and her softball team for years. Kathy fought a courageous battle with breast cancer, with Don by her side the whole way, but sadly lost that fight.

Don was a longtime employee of the Gates Corporation.

Don is survived by his wife, Andrea Shannon Graham of Sandpoint; his daughter, Jami and husband Joe and their daughters, Avery and Josi; his daughter, Keri and husband Wes and their daughter Maysi and son Karter; his stepson, Eric Shannon and wife Laura of Edmond Oklahoma; his sister, Judi Lutz and husband Steven; and his brother, Larry Graham.

Don had such a passion for life, and treasured his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Don loved the outdoors, hunting, ATVing, riding his snowmobile and boating.

After visiting some friends here with his wife Andrea they fell in love with the area, moving here in 2012. Spending time on the lake was such a joy to Don. He couldn’t wait to get their boat out and on the water every spring. On warm afternoons, you could find Don at his property riding his tractor around, always busy with some project or another. He loved meeting for lunch with the Ol’ Geezers.

Moving to Sandpoint has been such a blessing to both Andrea and Don, joining their church, meeting wonderful new friends, just like the old friends back in Colorado.

Don lived his life with grace, strong character and dignity. He lived life to its fullest, with joy, a sense of humor and always a twinkle in his eye. He treated each person with compassion, was a blessing and inspiration to everyone he met. He had a deep faith in the Lord, holding on to that through his battle with ALS.

We want to thank everyone for their love and support throughout this past year. All our family and friends, the care of wonderful doctors and nurses at Valley Vista, and the VA. You were all truly a blessing.

In Don’s Memory donations can be made to ALS Worldwide.com or the ALS Evergreen Chapter.

Family and friends are invited to sign Don’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Coffelt Funeral Service.